Shadow of Stars - Helen Abdullah

Shadow of Stars is a dark, emotional mafia romance about grief, power, and survival. After the sudden murder of her father, Astera is forced to step into a world she was never meant to inherit-the brutal underworld of the Bratva. While mourning her loss and protecting her fragile mother, Astera must also navigate loyalty, danger, and a role that tests her strength at every turn.

When she is paired with Damien Petrov-a feared enforcer with a reputation as cold as his stare-the line between trust and control begins to blur. What starts as a reluctant alliance soon becomes something far more dangerous, as secrets unfold and emotions run deeper than either of them expected.

Gritty, intense, and emotionally charged, Shadow of Stars blends high-stakes mafia politics with slow-burn romance and strong character development. It is a story about becoming who you must be when the world leaves you no choice-and about finding light, even in the darkest shadows.